Neura teams up with HD Hyundai to test humanoids for shipbuilding
21 July 2025 
Neura Robotics, the German pioneer of cognitive robotics, has entered into a partnership with two Korean businesses – HD Hyundai Samho and HD Hyundai Robotics – to develop and test humanoid and quadruped robots for use in the shipbuilding industry. They say that the cooperation marks a significant step forward in advancing automation and robotics innovation in the shipbuilding sector, which is experiencing skills shortages.
The three partners plan to test the robots under real-world conditions, assessing their potential to improve efficiency, safety and productivity.
Under the agreement:
- HD Hyundai Samho will provide demonstration environments and validate the practical applicability of the robots, drawing on its experience of automation systems in shipbuilding.
- HD Hyundai Robotics will provide technical support, including path-learning data and performance validation, tapping into its expertise in welding automation.
- Neura will contribute its cognitive robotics technology – including its 4NE1 humanoid robot – to the development and commercialisation of humanoid systems for shipbuilding.
“This strategic partnership once again demonstrates the versatility of cognitive robots – even in one of the most demanding industrial environments in the world,” says David Reger, founder and CEO of Neura Robotics. “Together with Hyundai, we are laying the groundwork for entirely new paths in intelligent automation.”
“We will take a leading role in creating a safer and more productive shipyard environment by applying specialised welding robots that meet the diverse quality requirements of the shipbuilding industry,” adds Sanghun Ryu, executive director of HD Hyundai Samho.
